Bays makes Pac-12 choice
Grant Bays took visits to Oregon State and Boise State then came home and thought about what decision he would make after closer evaluation of both programs.
After a couple weeks of contemplation, Bays verbally committed to the Beavers on Tuesday and said the coaching stability and community were really the deciding factors on why Oregon State won out for his services.
Advertisement
Bays is headed to the Pac-12 and he said he's excited about his decision.
"It was the family atmosphere and stability," Bays said. "I know the coaches are there to stay. I also really liked Corvallis and the people there."
Bays, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound three-star prospect from Oceanside, Calif., visited both Oregon State and Boise State in September and said late last month that in about a week he'd be ready to announce his decision.
The odds-on favorite was Oregon State, though, especially since he liked the coaching staff so much.
It took a few weeks longer than expected but it's a big pickup for the Beavers since Rivals.com rates Bays as the eighth-best center in the 2012 class and No. 82 in the California state rankings.
Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, Nevada, Utah, Washington and Washington State had also offered Bays, who said the coaching stability in Corvallis was a big factor in his pledge.
Soon after his official visit to Oregon State, Bays said he really enjoyed seeing how close the coaching staff was and how they interacted with each other.
Coach Mike Riley also made it clear he doesn't plan to go anywhere and having the same coaches while he's at Oregon State was important to the three-star prospect.